America's Cup hearing with Oracle delayed

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Oracle Racing had to forfeit two America's Cup World Series titles and could face further punishment.

A hearing between Oracle Team USA and an international jury dealing with Protocol Article 60, which is aimed at protecting the reputation of the America's Cup, was delayed Thursday until today.

Earlier this week, the jury held a hearing for Oracle Team USA employees being investigated under Rule 69 of the Racing Rules of Sailing, which deals with gross misconduct.

The panel, meeting in San Francisco, is investigating defending champion Oracle for illegally modifying two of three prototype boats it sailed in four warmup regattas last year and earlier this year.

A decision is expected early next week. The jury could decide to punish Oracle in the upcoming America's Cup Finals, which start Sept. 7. Punishment could range from forfeiture of races to disqualification from the event.